Imam uses Jerusalem podium to call for destruction of U.S.

A leading Muslim cleric incited crowds at a recent Al-Aqsa Mosque speech in Jerusalem with calls to destroy America, France, Britain and Rome.

The speech was given in the lead-up to Ramadan in support of ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi and was posted online on Friday, The Times of Israel reported. Iman Asmat Al-Hammouri’s statements were translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute.

“We warn you, oh America, take your hands off the Muslims,” he said, as The Times of Israel reported. “You have wreaked havoc in Syria, and before that, in Afghanistan and in Iraq, and now in Egypt. Who do you think we are, America? We are the nation of Islam — a giant and mighty nation, which extends from east to west. Soon, we will teach you a political and military lesson, Allah willing. Allah Akbar. All glory to Allah.”

The cleric is a member of the Pan-Islamic Hizb ut-Tahrir, or Party of Liberation, The Times of Israel reported. The party has about a million members around the world, the outlet reported.

The video also showed demonstrators issuing a direct message to President Obama: “Oh Obama, listen up. The Caliphate shall return. Our nation will never be humiliated. We want to cleanse it of the impure,” The Times of Israel reported.

About the Author

Cheryl Chumley is a continuous news writer for The Washington Times. Previously, she was part of the start-up team for The Washington Times’ digital aggregation product, Times247. She’s also a 2008-2009 Robert Novak journalism fellow with The Phillips Foundation. She can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.